George A. Sprecace M.D.,
J.D., F.A.C.P. and Allergy
Associates of New
London,
P.C.
www.asthma.drsprecace.com
RAPID
RESPONSE (Archives)...Daily Commentary on News of the Day
This is a new
section. It will
offer fresh,
quick reactions by myself to news and events of the day, day by day, in
this rapid-fire world of ours. Of course, as in military
campaigns,
a rapid response in one direction may occasionally have to be followed
by a "strategic withdrawal" in another direction. Charge that
to
"the fog of war", and to the necessary flexibility any mental or
military
campaign must maintain to be effective. But the mission will
always
be the same: common sense, based upon facts and "real politick",
supported
by a visceral sense of Justice and a commitment to be
pro-active.
That's all I promise.
GS
YOU MAY ALREADY KNOW THIS. One national organization that is
reliable and effective in investigating the actions of our Federal
Government, including successfully suing the government for the
information it seeks to withhold, is JUDICIAL WATCH. (www.judicialwatch.org). It's worth the nominal "price of admission".
GS
RR#2
MORE ON THE STATE OF DISUNION: CONNECTICUT. See the article by the always-reliable Chris Powell entitled "Wasted Money And Closed Voting Records" (in The Day Feb. 26, 2018, Opinion, pA4). Although
this State has been controlled for decades by the spendthrift
Democrats, Governor Malloy has had years to show responsible and fiscal
leadership in a new direction. He has not. Connecticut continues as a
wholly-owned subsidiary of the Public Employees unions. And it
continues in the high 40s among all the States in undesirable
characteristics. What a missed opportunity. Of course, he can still advance politically in a similarly unprincipled Democratic Party. Of
course, it wasn't always that way. I was an active member of the
Democratic Party, and a public office holder, for many years - until
they lost their way. Shame.
GS
RR#3
NO FAKE NEWS HERE: See "94 Significant Achievements By President Trump In Just One Year On The Job" (www.ffcoalition.com, Feb. 2018).
GS
RR#4
ON THE DECLINING STATE OF HEALTH CARE IN AMERICA, the result, not of talented and motivated "health care providers", but of confused but arrogant regulators. See "DOCTORS, REVOLT!, by Rich Joseph, M.D. (in NYTimes Feb. 25, 2018, SR p12).
I AM GENERALLY NOT IN THE PRACTICE OF PREDICTING. But
here is a prediction that I have been making for a long time, ever
since I became acquainted with this man's work as Bishop in Denver: I can see Archbishop Charles J. Chaput as the next Holy Father.
Meanwhile, please read this interview at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
REGARDING ROBERT MUELLER AND ISLAMIC TERRORISM. The organization Judicial Watch is a very reliable source for Facts that The Swamp does not want revealed.
EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE YOU HAVE TO LOOK AT WHAT'S HAPPENING TO AMERICA'S SOUL. The Bible says that I can't express Judgment: that that's for The Lord.
But I can express deepest contempt for anyone who is pro-abortion.
GS
LifeNews.com Pro-Life News Report Monday, February 26, 2018
Top Stories • Trump Admin Cuts Planned Parenthood Funding, Will Shift Sex-Ed Funds to Abstinence Programs • Planned Parenthood Secretly Opens Massive New 12,000 Square Foot Abortion Clinic • Council of Europe Says Killing Unborn Babies in Abortions is a “Human Right” So Malta Must Legalize Abortion • 40 Days for Pro-Life Prayer Campaign at Abortion Clinics Saves 103 Babies So Far More Pro-Life News • Christian College Wins Legal Battle, Won’t be Forced to Pay for Abortion Pills • Benham Brothers’ Father Arrested for Praying in Front of an Abortion Clinic • Families of Children With Down Syndrome Rally to Ban Abortions of Babies Diagnosed With It • Hey Christian Voters: If You’re Concerned About Abortion and the Moral Status of Our Nation, Consider This • Euthanasia Activists Want to Approve Law Allowing Doctors to Euthanize Children • Pregnant Mom Given Only 15 Minutes to Decide Whether to Abort Twin Baby Diagnosed With Down Syndrome • Abortion Clinic Tells Women After Aborting Their Baby: “You’ll Feel Much Better After a Light Meal” • This Planned Parenthood Clinic Has Called an Ambulance 68 Times After Hurting Women in Botched Abortions • Planned Parenthood May Open New Abortion Center in the Heart of Amish Country • Study: Young Adults Are Having Considerably Less Sex and Abortions are Dropping as a Result • Health Authority Orders Hospices to Euthanize Patients, This Hospice is Fighting Back • Ohio Fights to Close Abortion Clinic That Broke a Law Protecting Women’s Health
SUNDAY,
February 25,
2018
RR#1
REGARDING ALCOHOL, DEMENTIA AND CHRONIC ALCOHOLISM. "True,True, and Related".
How do you want to spend your increasingly likely decades of life after your 60's?
READ IT AND WEEP: ABOUT HEALTH CARE DELIVERY TODAY. Completing
my 60th year in private medical practice, I don't work for patients; I
work with patients, who have their own responsibilities for their
health. And as far as "concierge medicine" is concerned, I offer that daily, 24-7, without extra cost. "No brag. Just fact".
AND THAT'S WHY I'M STILL DRIVING MY '96 BLAZER: NO RECALLS. "Plus": Adam tells me that in three years it will be an "ANTIQUE"...just like its owner.
PS. Recently a survey was done of owners of late model cars. The question was: "What other AP or capability would you want for your car?" The most popular answer: "Systems Off". BARABING!
WHY TREAT OUR MILITARY'S CHILDREN AS SECOND-CLASS CITIZENS? We
have enough dumbed-down second - class citizens, thanks to the actions
of the Teachers' Unions and to the unbelievable inaction of their
victims.
MEANWHILE, BACK IN THE SWAMP, even the Washington Post sees the importance of what is taking place. See:
"Stop Politicizing The Russia Investigation", by Marc A. Thiessen, in
The Day (www.theday.com), Feb. 22, 2018, Opinion, pA4.
AND NOW FOR SOME WELCOME RELIEF, SOME GOOD NEWS. See the excellent article - and better yet read the book - by Professor Steven Pinker entitled "The Enlightenment Is Working", in WSJ Feb. 10-11, 2018, Review, pC1. "Don't
listen to the gloom-sayers. The world has improved by every measure of
human flourishing over the past two centuries, and the progress
continues." And he presents a myriad of facts and analyses to prove it.
But in the process of continuing this progress, remember this observation: "ADVERSITY IS THE PRICE TO BE PAID FOR PRINCIPLE." (author unknown).
REGARDING THIS "RAPID RESPONSE" SECTION, in progress since
March, 2003, not coincidentally beginning a few days before our
invasion of Iraq...and all still searchable herein. It's time for a minor change, given the general access to Search Engines. Until
now, I have been almost uniformly supporting my statements and opinions
with direct reference to specific media and scientific articles. But the world and the news are moving too rapidly for me to stick with that practice...and still be able to practice Medicine. Of course, much of "the news" clearly fits that description of William Shakespeare: "Tis a tale as told by an idiot: full of sound and fury, signifying nothing". You won't find that here. So, HERE GOES...
Medical Marijuana, Yes. "Recreational" Marijuana, No. Find another income stream, you cynics.
Major
Depression occurs in over 20% of U.S. adults: more common in younger
people, in women and in whites. Its main co-morbidity is Anxiety. Taken
together, these can be potent drivers for inaction and for action,
including harm to self and even to others.
The Mental Health
Industry purports to represent and support all of these patients. In
reality the "20 minute hour" and the polypharmacy of psychotropic
agents is very often of marginal health even to that minority who have
access to such attention. But that fact does not prevent related
medical organizations from obstructing vital efforts to identify and
Report individuals who are likely to be a risk to themselves and/or to
others. Yes, there is the important patient confidentiality. And Yes,
there is a uniform responsibility to safe-guard the public. Patient
confidentiality should be a shield. It should not be used as a
sword...or become a fig-leaf. Obviously, here I'm referring to Gun
Safety.
Whether it be with the Florida school shooting, or the
Hawaii missile mess, or so many other incidents and "accidents", the
engineers have it right: Look for the "Accident Cascade" of several
prior mistakes that were missed and that led to the incident in
question. I have already expressed in this section my views regarding
Gun Laws in general. Specifically with reference to School Safety:
schools should Not be the only "gun - free zones", thereby so inviting
to evil and crazy people. In addition to armed "security personnel",
there should be several designated persons who have "concealed carry"
weapons. These crazies must be lethally dropped in their tracks at the
earliest possible moment.
The White House effort, subject to
individual State implementation, to provide more affordable and
less comprehensive types of Health Insurance to those who prefer to
partially "self-insure" - of course not including those with "prior
existing conditions" - should be encouraged. The States would thus be
the laboratories to test this concept, as should be the case for
numerous other controversial "societal needs".
I am pleased to
know that the New London Maritime Society has joined two other New
London historical organizations in trying to save two historic
buildings on Bank Street. However, these good groups and the public
should not expect a private individual to fund such projects for the
public good. To put a somewhat coarse point on it: "Put your money
where your mouth is".
The Mueller investigation, and all of the
related Congressional and bureaucratic investigations, are all serious
stuff bearing directly upon our Constitutional rights and
responsibilities and upon the proper conduct of a democratic America.
And there are other very important issues coming to light here:
prosecutorial responsibility, prosecutorial abuse, the requirements of
Discovery under the Federal Rules of Evidence, and fundamental
fairness. I refer here to the experience of General Michael Flynn and
the recent action of Judge Emmet Sullivan in his case. Stay tuned! This
is very important.
GS
RR#2
THE REAL RUSSIAN THREAT. An accurate diagnosis. The
treatment? To counter EVERY adverse action directed at the U.S.A or any
of its allies with the same type of action and with the same level of
energy and effect. Not escalation, but effective counter-action.
Whether overt or covert, the Russians will know what we are doing, and
why. And we will not bring a knife to a gun-fight.
Will the "snow-flakes" accept such action? Who cares?
WHO BEGAN THIS UTTERLY STUPID DISPUTE?
Never mind. It must Stop Now!
In
the worst event to occur in the 20th century, well noted for terrible
events, the Holocaust had its worst effects on the nation of Poland,
where 6 million Jews and 5 million others were murdered by the Nazi
regime. There followed many years of suffering under the Soviets.
Were
there Nazi and Soviet collaborators among both the Poles and the Jews?
Of course. Could more have been done, with a virtual guarantee of
death, by both Poles and Jews? Possibly. What would I have done? I
don't know.
What to do now? NEVER FORGET. And also never resurrect the all - too -
human elements of that inhuman and purely evil process.
What
else to do? Here is an immediate project in which for Pope Francis and
the Catholic Church to intervene...whether privately or
publically...but effectively with both the nationalist leaders of
Poland and the Israelis. But it must Stop Now!
Catholics and Jews
are Brothers in Faith. Our relationship is not the existential threat
that we all face in the world today. Let us NEVER FORGET that too.
If we: American-Americans, do not support our
President, IT Will.
As a result of not having Immigration laws that really vet
those who enter their country, Swedes are increasingly unable to
enforce their laws. President Trump is so correct
on reforming immigration into the USA and, hopefully every citizen will
support him. This video shows a series of politically correct
statements followed by scenes of what actually has been going on in
Sweden. What you see in the video may take place in our country if we
do not heed this alert and act now to prevent this from happening here.
A MUST SEE !!! THINK OF YOUR
FAMILY!
Wow – it is amazing how lazy politicians can ruin a country!!
Soundtrack by ABBA -
It's only 4-1/2 minutes, but an eye-opener...
RR#3
AND THAT WAS THE WEEK THAT WAS...ABOUT IMMIGRATION.
THE RUSSIAN SCHEME TO AFFECT THE 2016 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION:
The clear statement of Assistant Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, which
you may or may not see on Media reports, is the following (paraphrased
here, but reproduced in toto in this Link):
"There is no allegation in these Indictments that any American
wittingly knew of or participated in this Russian scheme."
"Can you hear me now?"
Should capable Medicaid recipients have work, volunteer or
job training requirements? The question answers itself. But, as
individual States begin experimenting with such approaches, the
Liberals and their flagship outlet raise both valid questions and
anguished cries. See the NYTimes article, Feb. 11, pA1. My reaction:
let individual States be laboratories for important ideas with national
implications. The Tenth Amendment of the Bill of Rights, long moribund,
anticipated that role.
"Advocates
For Marijuana Sales Point to Big Economic Boost"
(ctmirror.org, 2/13/2018). This refers to "recreational marijuana". And
what about the reduced cognitive abilities and the mental illnesses and
potential for drug addiction that accompany that? A short-sighted,
cynical and desperate idea from those who created Connecticut's chronic
fiscal crisis in the first place.
The RCDC (aka NLDC) of New London may finally have received
a down-to-earth proposal appropriate for Fort Trumbull redevelopment
efforts. See: "Hotel
Proposal For Fort Trumbull Off The Table, New Idea Emerges",
by Greg Smith (a fine reporter, by the way), in The Day, 2/12/2018. New
London Seafood and its attorney Gordon Videl are to be commended. Now
let's see what R2D2 does with this.
THIS IS WHY CONTROL OF THE PRESIDENCY IS SO IMPORTANT:
it's
effect on Federal Courts. In this case, Islam is not primarily a
Religion...it is a world-wide Nation-State and a self-acknowledged
grievous danger to this country. The USSC should right this politically
based wrong.
I have a very complicated
benefits
question. Many years ago, I married a widow who had an 18 year old
daughter. After the wedding, my father, a widower, came to visit a
number of times, and he fell in love with my step daughter. My father
eventually married her without my authorization.
As a result my step-daughter became my step mother and my father became
my son in law.
My
father's wife (also my step daughter) and my step-mother, gave birth to
a son who is my grandchild because I am the husband of my step
daughter's mother. This boy is also my brother, as the son of my father.
As
you can see, my wife became a grandmother, because she is the mother of
my father's wife. Therefore it appears that I am also my wife's
grandchild. A short time after these events, my wife gave birth to a
son, who became my father's brother-in-law, the step-son of my father's
wife, and my uncle. My son is also my step mother’s brother, and
through my step-mother, my wife has become a grandmother and I have
become my own grandfather.
In light of the above
mentioned, I would like to know the following: Does my son, who is also
my uncle, my father's son-in-law and my step mother's brother fulfill
the requirements for receiving childcare benefits?
Zeke
==============
THE ANSWER:
Of
course you qualify, Zeke I have arranged to start mailing the checks to
all of you just as soon as you arrive here in California.
Yours faithfully,
Jerry Brown
Governor - State of California
RR#3
NEVER THE "NEW NORMAL".
Many thanks for this, Lisa.
A "MUST SEE":
Tucker Carlson's opening monologue for his 8PM Feb. 15, 2018
presentation on Fox News.
Right on target.
You want a civil war? Try to disarm the American people.
Once again, the "Left" is delusional, despotic and dangerous.
GS
WEDNESDAY,
February 14,
2018
RR#1
THE FLORIDA SCHOOL SHOOTINGS TODAY:
"Rapid Response"...and "the usual suspects".
Once again, families mourn and politicians wring their hands.
I have addressed this subject in the past. Nothing has changed.
There
are too many "causes" and "substantial contributing factors" to
enumerate here. But, as noted only by a foreigner - the former British
Prime Minister" on the Bret Baier Fox News show today - the root cause
is what has become of large swaths of American society in recent
decades under the influence of the "secular progressives"...aka The
Left.
It will take at least one generation, if not more, to
staunch the desperation and bleeding of those tens of millions already
affected and to stop the spread of this virulent infection - and only
if The Left is thoroughly defeated.
Meanwhile, all the usual
discussion about "gun control" fails to address the main reason why the
vast majority of Americans cling to their guns. They are not mainly
"hunters" or "nuts". They are normal, common folks who have lost their
confidence in the direction of this country and in the safety of their
freedoms - and who are hedging their bet for a possible conflict,
either with corrupt authority or with fellow inhabitants of this land.
That's why!
Any effort to address reasonable "gun control" must bear
that in mind - or it will fail as usual. We are back to why the
Founders passed the Second Amendment.
God Bless the deceased, the injured and their families.
And God Help Us All.
GS
RR#2
Not good. And I don't believe there is anything like a "rogue" Russian
force anywhere. Putin is probing everywhere.
Not good. And I don't believe there is anything like a "rogue" Russian
force anywhere. Putin is probing everywhere.
GS
Ms. Pelosi is a saint.
Last
Saturday afternoon in Washington, D.C. an aide to Nancy Pelosi visited
the Bishop of the Catholic Cathedral in D.C. He told the Cardinal that
Nancy Pelosi would be attending the next day's Mass, and asked if the
Cardinal would kindly point out Pelosi to the congregation and say a
few words that would include calling Pelosi a saint.
The
Cardinal replied, "No. I don't really like the woman, and there are
issues of conflict with the Catholic Church over some of Pelosi's
views." Pelosi's aide then said, "Look, I'll write a check here and now
for a donation of $100,000 to you if you'll just tell the congregation
you see Pelosi as a saint."
The Cardinal thought about it
and said, "Well, the Church can use the money, so I'll work your
request into tomorrow's sermon." As Pelosi's aide promised, Nancy
Pelosi appeared for the Sunday worship and seated herself prominently
at the forward left side of the center aisle. As promised, at the start
of his sermon, the Cardinal pointed out that Ms. Pelosi was present.
The
Cardinal went on to explain to the congregation, "While Ms. Pelosi's
presence is probably an honor to some, the woman is not numbered among
my personal favorite personages. Some of her most egregious views are
contrary to tenets of the Church, and she tends to flip-flop on many
other issues. Nancy Pelosi is a petty, self-absorbed hypocrite, a thumb
sucker, and a nit-wit. Nancy Pelosi is also a serial liar, a cheat, and
a thief. I must say, Nancy Pelosi is the worst example of a Catholic I
have ever personally witnessed. She married for money and is using her
wealth to lie to the American people. She also has a reputation for
shirking her Representative obligations both in Washington and in
California . The woman is simply not to be trusted."
The Cardinal concluded. "But, when compared with Hillary Clinton, Ms.
Pelosi is a saint."
RR#4
NEWT GINGRICH: A NATIONAL TREASURE WITH A TRACK RECORD.
Here is more evidence that what needs to be done CAN BE DONE.
AND YOU WONDER WHY
"DEFENSIVE MEDICINE" IS ALIVE AND WELL...AND IS RESPONSIBLE FOR 25-30%
OF ALL HEALTH CARE COSTS?
WHAT A WASTE!
The
only "Medical Malpractice Reform" that will work is the establishment
of Health Care Courts, analogous to Patent and Bankruptcy Courts. The
only impediment to that is the Trial Bar.
REGARDING DRUG ADDICTION, FOREVER AND A DAY.
What? Where? When? Why?
As usually the case, I find the Medical approach to diseases useful
here.
1) Diagnosis:
Drug addiction has been around forever.
From
a big problem at the turn of the 20th century with opium dens, there
was a massive increase beginning with the sequel to the Viet Nam War.
There
followed decades of decadent "Leftist" plunge of this country: bad
schools; disappearing morals; disrupted family life, replaced by the
one parent "family"; substitution of interpersonal relationships by
robotic dependence on gismos to stay "connected" while resulting ithe
exact opposite.
Resultant rampant depression and desperation, all
predictable and predicted, and the consequent demand for "relief".
The
push in the 1990's by the FDA and the JCAH for better medical control
of Pain, in effect making this parameter the "fifth vital sign", and
allowing / recommending the use of Oxycontin for non-cancer pain.
Total
loss of control of our national borders, especially to the South, with
the natural growth of drug cartels and their distribution efforts. The
major customers for these drugs are not inner-city youth, but rather
the Middle Class.
The simultaneous increase in crime and
criminal behavior, together with a misguided weakening of law
enforcement, again the result of Leftist delusions.
The
misdirection of pain medications, especially Opiates, partly due to
sloppy medical control in some quarters and largely due to the
ever-present profit motive.
The introduction of Fentanyl into
the drug stream, a vile and actually stupid act on the part of drug
pushers...since they lose customers.
2) Treatment: Not inclusive; but at least I'm trying.
Better
control of prescription drugs...but not to the point of suffocating the
use of those drugs for pain control, which is now occurring.
Effective Border Control, both North and South.
Severe penalties for any drug pushers, minor or major, not
now the case.
Major expansion of drug treatment facilities, with
requirement for insurance coverage, long-term.
Adequate Medical Marijuana facilities and Methadone centers.
?Legalize
Drug Use? NO, NOT NOW. There are too many walking wounded out there,
addicted and subject to addiction. Maybe when the current damaged
generations have found their way - if ever - and when coming more
enlightened generations are raised "Old School". Maybe.
The following articles are offered for further reading and deliberating.
"Doctor
Calls For Greater Focus On Reducing The Prescription Of Opioid Drugs",
by Deborah Straszheim, in The Day (www.theday.com), Feb. 5, 2018.
"How Trump Can Keep His Promises", NYTimes Editorial, Feb.
4, 2018, SR p8.
As
is so often the case with the Times, good and informative reportage is
polluted with Trump-bashing, resulting on Yellow Journalism on most
pages, including the Editorial page. Get thee to a psychiatrist for
treatment of your OCD.
Chris,
excellent. I have been torn regarding the idea of legalizing drugs.
I still have reservations as expressed; but yours is the most cogent
argument for it that I have read.
Do
I have your permission to post your statement on my Rapid Rresponse,
right after my statement on the subject - with or withour attribution.
I wold prefer with attribution, since you should get the credit for it.
But it's your call. Please let me know today.
Thanks. And
don't hesitate to give me more feedback on any subject, whether you
agree or disagree. That's how we all continue to learn.
Love to all.
Uncle George.
GS
Hi Uncle George
Good
post. I especially agree with Diagnosis bullet point number 3. To
reduce drug use those things must be reversed. However, I think one
thing that will help is ending drug prohibition. If drugs were
legalized profit margins in the business would plummet since the drugs
are essentially a commodity, and it wouldn’t be dangerous any more to
grow/supply/use them. They could be regulated and taxed similar to
alcohol (although I’m not really for the singling out for special
taxation of any product or service). It would also have the great
benefit of keeping thousands of inner city youth out of jails, which
are the incubators for lifetime criminals, would put them into the
market economy like the rest of us putting them on a path to a better
life, and would drastically increase the safety of people living in the
inner cities. The lower prices of drugs under such a scenario would not
affect demand significantly because demand for drugs is pretty
inelastic. Those who are suffering will do anything and pay anything to
get them already. For those who continue to use them, the quality and
safety of the drug supply would be improved, reducing deaths. In fact,
the money saved from not having the “drug war” could be used to improve
treatment and awareness too. In addition, the safety and lives of
citizens of countries currently racked by drug cartels, such as Mexico,
Colombia and Venezuela, would be greatly improved.
Yes, there
are risks. But the risk/reward is too great not to do it, IMO. Our one
experiment with something similar - ending alcohol prohibition - was
extremely successful.
As always, I appreciate your thought-provoking posts. Please keep them
coming.
Chris
RR#3
WOW! WHAT A BREATH OF FRESH AIR.
Can He Do It??
The
vast administrative agencies and Boards, supposedly governed by
Administrative Law and the three Constitutional Branches of Government,
have too long been in effect self-governing and self-perpetuating.
Enough!
BY NOW YOU KNOW THAT MY "MOVIE REVIEW" SECTION IS DIFFERENT.
Of course, I have not yet seen "The 15:17 To Paris": but I
certainly will.
A huge "ATTA BOY" to the three real-life heroes.
And a "LIFETIME AWARD" to Clint Eastwood, even a second if he has
already received one.
This
man has lived at least two lifetimes. And he has lived them
intelligently, honorably and with great imagination. Thank you. And,
even if you aren't a golf duffer:
"Don't keep score. Just keep on swingin'."
REGARDING THE STATE OF THE UNIONS:
NATIONAL, STATE, AND PUBLIC EMPLOYEES.
Enough
printer's ink has flowed in recent days to discuss the economics of
running governments. Crucial to that calculus is the "mother's milk of
politics": money, preferably a lot of money unencumbered by responsible
obligations expected of the people.
At the Federal level, the
recent results have been much more promising than elsewhere. Very
important needs (debits) have been funded while income (assets) has
been addressed in the form of the recent Tax Reform legislation and the
already clear positive effects on the economy. Other important issues,
especially regarding a comprehensive Immigration Policy, have had to
wait - hopefully not for long.
At the State level, with
Connecticut a "wholly owned subsidiary" of the Public Employees unions,
the prognosis is much more guarded for this seriously ill patient who
is bleeding profusely. Out-going Governor Malloy offered a typical
Democratic treatment program: feeding and bleeding at the same time,
and never getting the patient out of bed. What did Albert
Einstein say about repeating and repeating the same actions and
expecting different results? That's what happens when, regardless of
the label, the people endorse the same political party for 40 years?
IDIOCY.
GS
RR#3
"AND
IN THE CHURCH AS IN THE GOVERNMENT, THE SCORCHED-EARTH TACTICS OF
ULTRACONSERVATIVES OFTEN GIVES THEM A SWAY DISPROPORTIONATE TO THEIR
ACTUAL NUMBERS".
This is a direct quote from an article by Frank Bruni, entitled
"The Scariest Catholic In America", NYTimes Feb 4, 2018, Sunday Review,
p3.
It
addresses the hysterical reaction of some ultra-conservative
"Catholics" to the issue of according any Christian charity to persons
whose sexuality may be in question for themselves ("L.G.B.T.).
Fortunately, two leaders of the Church are clearly quoted as decrying
such un-Christian actions.
"Meanwhile, back at the ranch", Pope
Francis seems to have retreated to nibbling at the edges of teachings
of the Magisterium, despite his being the Teacher in Chief. What about
divorced and re-married Catholics' access to the Sacrament? What about
the ridiculous "Unitive Function of Sex" for a committed married
couple? What about non-abortifacient contraception for those same
couples? What about scientific - and Christian - understanding for
persons whose sexuality is not clear...to themselves or to science?
What about all of that? We need answers, Your Holiness...not
obfuscation.
The Laity, the "Body of the Church", is waiting.
"THE FBI IS AS PURE AS CAESAR'S WIFE".
That
is what hypocrite - in - chief Representative Adam Schiff was
in
effect saying while he was objecting to the recent release of the FISA
report.
But "Caesar's wife" has been a whore in the past. Why not
now, especially now when the swamp is being drained?
See: "Democrats and FBI Abuses", by David Garrow, in WSJ Feb. 6, 2018,
Opinion, pA19.
A Must-Read, if you value your Liberty.
PRESIDENT TRUMP IS NOT ONLY VASTLY BETTER THAN THE ALTERNATIVES. HE IS
A GOOD MAN.
GS
MORE UNREPORTED NEWS
On
Friday, the Trump administration released their annual report to
Congress on White House Office Personnel. It includes the name, status,
salary and position title of all 377 White House employees. The report
said that Trump decided not to take a dime of his salary, instead he
donated it to an amazing cause! (see below). The report also showed
that President Trump is far better at saving money than Obama was. The
total annual White House salaries under Trump are $35.8Â million vs.
$40.9 under Obama, a savings of $5.1 million. Here are some other key
findings:
There are 110 fewer employees on White House staff under
Trump than under Obama at this point in their respective presidencies.
*Nineteen fewer staffers are dedicated to The First Lady of the United
States (FLOTUS). Currently, there are five staffers dedicated to
Melania Trump vs. 24 staffers who served Michelle Obama (FY2009).
*However,
it's what the report said Trump did with this salary that has everyone
talking. Instead of taking his salary, Trump donated all $400,000 to
the Department of the Interior where it will be used for construction
and repair needs at military cemeteries! AMAZING! It's so great to have
a President who loves our brave military men and women so much!
Oh, and where's the media coverage of this? Oh that's right, they don't
cover anything good that the President does.
RR#2
PRESIDENT TRUMP IS NOT ONLY VASTLY BETTER THAN THE ALTERNATIVES. HE IS
A GOOD MAN.
THIS LETTER IS EXACTLY ON POINT.
Historic
preservation does not mean forcing private citizens to pay for such
preservation against their will. If we, the members of Union Railroad
Station Trust that saved Union Station in the 1970's, had not found a
private buyer (architect George Notter), there would have been a cinder
block monstrosity at the base of State Street.
AND ONCE AGAIN THE DAY HAS "DISABLED" FACTUAL COMMENTARY ON THIS
LETTER.
If it needs cleaning up, clean it up. Don't censor it.
It would have been fascinating
knowing this brilliant man. Expect he was rather cantakerous.
Churchhillisms
A smile - is a sign of joy.
A hug - is a sign of love.
A laugh - is a sign of happiness.
And a friend like me? -
Well that's just a sign
Of good taste ... Churchill
ABOUT THE STOCK MARKET.
I have relatively minor holdings in the stock market.
My "holdings" are my family investments in Education: 7 Bachelor's
Degrees, 5 Master's Degrees and 3 Doctorate Degrees.
Beyond that, a few observations.
1) When J.P.Morgan was asked "What will the Market do?", his reply was
"It will Fluctuate, my boy. It will Fluctuate".
2) "In the Market, Bulls will win, Bears will win; Pigs will not win."
3) The Golden Rule for Investing: Diversify!
4) Look at the percentage drop, not the numerical drop.
5)
It tells you something about the priorities of some Americans when the
stock market decline - in which less than 50% of Americans are invested
- is seen as terrible because all other economic indicators are rising,
including wages, profits, investments, consumer confidence....
6) What is terrible is the continuing decline of American Education, at
all levels. "Is anybody there? Does anybody care?"
GS
RR#3
MORE FAKE NEWS - OR AT LEAST INCOMPLETE, THIS TIME FROM ITALY.
From
general reading, and particularly from reports from native Italians who
return to their homeland frequently, I learn that Leftists there have
much greater sway in daily life than here in America - so far.
A very recent example is the reportage about a bad incident in
Macerata, Italy.
"African Immigrants Shot In Italian Town", by Eric Slyvers, WSJ Feb. 5,
2018, World News, pA6.
The
story stresses immigration violence, hatred, etc. Nowhere in the story
is the fact that the shooter was reacting against an immigrant who had
just been arrested for allegedly attacking, killing and dismembering a
teenage girl inhabitant of that town. He had tried to gain access to
the accused, without success.
Does this justify the action? No.
Does it put it in proper context? Yes. Can such truth-telling be found
in the media today...even at times in the WSJ? Hardly.
GS
MONDAY,
February 5,
2018
CLIMATE
CHANGE.
This is not The Answer. But is does represent more facts.
GS
SUNDAY,
February 4,
2018
RR#1
REGARDING THE CURRENT FLU EPIDEMIC.
1)
Immunizations of all kinds are the most effective and cheapest form of
medical care. To refrain from or to neglect getting immunized is
STUPID; and for any parents and their children is IRRESPONSIBLE.
Regarding the annual Flu vaccines, "egg allergy" is no longer
considered an impediment to getting the shot. And you can still get the
2017-2018 Flu shot now.
2) The characteristics of this year's
Flu epidemic resemble those of the Pandemic of 1918: the young and
healthy are more likely to get seriously ill and to die. That is
probably because the Inflammatory part of our Immune System is a BLUNT
INSTRUMENT, prone to over-reacting to an invader, thus at times being
itself the cause of death rather than the infection. The obvious
example is SEPSIS. Therefore, make sure your physician considers
high-dose Steroids in case of serious or grave illness.
3) Any
"cold" is not "just a cold". It is a viremia, involving the entire body
and capable of causing serious illness besides the well-known problems.
Thus, treat a "cold" aggressively from the outset. My patients are
given a "Cold Regimen" and are urged to use it. If you wish a copy of
that Regimen, without thereby establishing a physician-patient
relationship, send me a stamped, self-addressed envelope with your
request. Meanwhile, an important note: "Z-PAK" DOES NOT WORK FOR
RESPIRATORY TRACT ILLNESSES.
DEAR READER,
you are familiar with "Around The World..."
Here is another favorite, of mine at least:
POT POURRI: NEWS AND OPINION IN SMALL AND SPICY MORSELS.
1)
A very erudite exposition entitled "Islam In Global Politics: A
Civilizational Crisis?", by Clive Kessler, in http://acdemocracy.org,
2/2/2018.
Let's cut to the chase: a) Muslims have to decide
whether they want to join the rest of the world in these recent and
current centuries - or not;
b) Israel is Forever - and Jerusalem is its Capital;
c) administrative assistance in the management of East Jerusalem is
desirable and likely;
d) a "Palestinian State" in Gaza is desirable and likely, with no
"right of return" unless consistent with that geography;
e) Egypt - and increasingly other Arab / Muslim are getting along with
Israel. It's called Reality and Self-Interest.
2)
Medical Malpractice Reform. Stop nibbling around the edges. Take MM out
of the Civil Court and trial attorney system and establish Health
Courts, as is the case in Patent and Bankruptcy Courts - where experts
hold sway.
3) Connecticut Supreme Court's bad decision regarding
Public Schools and their support. It is abundantly clear that our
incestuous legislatures have failed for many decades in a
Constitutional obligation. That requires the Judiciary to intervene on
Constitutional grounds.
"Can You Hear Me Now?"
4) The Armenian
Genocide. When does the world and the U.S. acknowledge and condemn the
Turkish action? Or do we wait for a Kurdish genocide, already beginning
and by the same perpetrators?
See " Will Trump Tell The Truth About The Armenian Genocide", by Robert
M. Morgenthau, in WSJ Jan. 26, 2018, Opinion, pA15.
5) Screen Time for kids. I'm not convinced. Go out and play!
See "Not All Screen Time Is Equal", by Christopher Mims, in WSJ Jan.
22, 2018, B1.
6) "The Case For Tactical U.S. Nukes", by Matthew Kroenig, WSJ Jan. 25,
2018, Opinion, pA15.
Of
course! With the proliferation of nuclear weapons among too many
nations (and including North Korea, if we are realistic) since the days
of the bilateral Cold War,
"limited" destruction is the only
credible deterrent to avoid the end of the world. In fact, it was a
given to us, medically supporting the U.S. Third Armored Division in
Germany facing 20 Soviet divisions 90 miles away at the Fulda Gap,
(1960-1962) that we would use tactical nuclear weapons to avoid being
overrun. Folks, think of this: America run by "Leftists" could
surrender to a belligerent Russia in the face of a threat or actuality
of great tactical nuclear destruction short of Armageddon, just as the
British Government immediately before Churchill wanted to do just that
when faced with Hitler's conventional might. Wake up everyone, and look
at the Facts!
That's It For Now.
President Trump's State of the Union Message:
What a breath of fresh air, especially the following direct quote:
"House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi looked ridiculous as she sat
stone-faced, hands folded in her lap, amid the loud applause that
filled the chamber".
And this, from the Washington Post.
See: "Trump Nailed It; now lets see what's next", by Marc A. Thiessen,
reprinted in The Day (www.theday.com), Feb. 3, 2018, Opinion, pA4.
PLEASE NOTE: THE ATTRIBUTION HERE IS WRONG...BUT THE FACTS ARE CORRECT.
This was NOT written by Krauthammer and was not published in the Post.
BUT LOOK UP "ORGANIZING FOR ACTION" ON WIKIPEDIA. It's all there, with
23 references and last edited Nov. 27, 2017.
My decades-long advice to my children ("CROSS-READ THE SAME SUBJECT FOR
ACCURACY AND INSIGHT") was never more true than now.
GS
A Must read from Charles
Krauthammer...New York Post
NOTE; Krauthammer is a well-respected conservative and is NOT a Trump
fan or supporter!
An article from the New York Post:
I
do not understand how living in a country with its democracy
established over 200 years ago, and now, for the first time in history,
suddenly we have one of our former presidents set up a group called
"Organizing for Action" (OFA).
OFA is 30,000+ strong and working
to disrupt everything that our current president's administration is
trying to do. This organization goes against our Democracy, and it is
an operation that will destroy our way of governing. It goes against
our Constitution, our laws, and the processes established over 200
years ago. If it is allowed to proceed then we will be living in chaos
very much like third world countries are run. What good is it to have
an established government if it is not going to be respected and
allowed to follow our laws?
If you had an army some 30,000
strong and a court system stacked over the decades with judges who
would allow you to break the laws, how much damage could you do to a
country? We are about to find out in America!
Our ex-president
said he was going to stay involved through community organizing and
speak out on the issues and that appears to be one post-administration
promise he intends to keep. He has moved many of his administration's
top dogs over to Organizing for Action.
OFA is behind the
strategic and tactical implementation of the resistance to the Trump
Administration that we are seeing across America, and politically
active courts are providing the leverage for this revolution.
OFA
is dedicated to organizing communities for "progressive" change. Its
issues are gun control, socialist healthcare, abortion, sexual
equality, climate change, and of course, immigration reform.
OFA
members were propped up by the ex-president's message from the shadows:
"Organizing is the building block of everything great we have
accomplished. Organizers around the country are fighting for change in
their communities and OFA is one of the groups on the front lines.
Commit to this work in 2017 and beyond."
OFA's website says it
obtained its "digital" assets from the ex-president's re-election
effort and that he inspired the movement. In short, it is the shadow
government organization aimed at resisting and tearing down the
Constitutional Republic we know as AMERICA.
Paul Sperry, writing
for the New York Post, says, "The OFA will fight President Donald Trump
at every turn of his presidency and the ex-president will command them
from a bunker less than two miles from the White House."
Sperry
writes that, "The ex-president is setting up a shadow government to
sabotage the Trump administration through a network of non-profits led
by OFA, which is growing its war chest (more than $40 million) and has
some 250 offices nationwide. The OFA IRS filings, according to Sperry,
indicate that the OFA has 32,525 (and growing) volunteers nationwide...
The ex-president and his wife will oversee the operation from their
home/ office in Washington DC.
Think about how this works.. For
example: Trump issues an immigration executive order; the OFA signals
for protests and statements from pro-immigrant groups; the ACLU lawyers
file lawsuits in jurisdictions where activist judges obstruct the laws;
volunteers are called to protest at airports and Congressional town
hall meetings; the leftist media springs to action in support of these
activities; the twitter sphere lights up with social media; and
violence follows. All of this happens from the ex-president's signal
that he is heartened by the protests.
If Barack Obama did not do
enough to destroy this country in the 8 years he was in office, it
appears his future plans are to destroy the foundation on which this
country has operated on for the last 241 years.
If this does not scare you, then we are in worse trouble than you know.
So,
do your part. You have read it, so at least pass this on so others will
know what we are up against. We are losing our country and we are so
compliant. We are becoming a "PERFECT TARGET" for our enemy!
Charles Krauthammer [Editor's Note: Well, not really.]
RR#2
"...THE TRUTH, THE WHOLE TRUTH, AND NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH".
THE
FOLLOWING, MY PRESIDENT'S REPORT OF NOVEMBER, 2016, IS OFFERED AGAIN TO
GIVE "THE REST OF THE STORY" INVOLVING THE NEW LONDON MARITIME SOCIETY
EXTENDING BACK TO THE YEAR 2000.
It is also a welcome opportunity
to congratulate our Executive Director, Susan Tamulevich, for her great
work in this, the tenth anniversary of her stewardship.
Many thanks to you, Susan.
THANK YOU, SUSAN...AND ESPECIALLY FOR
10 GREAT YEARS AT THE CUSTOM HOUSE.
GEORGE.
Forgot
to mention that 'Little Lonnie' won his division in tennis and will be
in the Special Olympics again this July in Seattle. In the last games
he won a gold medal.
For that matter, Jennifer Hillhouse has two
grandchildren who will represent the US in S. Korea. Their sport is
cross country skiing.
Congratulations!!!
Hello everyone. It was a great day. I wanted to share these photos with
you.
We
had four big events: 1.) Rogovin Movers were here to reposition the
lighthouse lens, 2.) took George to lunch to celebrate his 85th
birthday, 3.) hosted a reception for the Homeless Hospitality Center's
volunteers, and 4.) hosted a wedding for our own Gwendolyn Bosco (past
NLMS secretary) and Lonnie Braxton (current honorary trustee)!
Special thanks to Linda, Margaret, Christina, & Bill who put in
extra hours to host HHC guests.
The
HHC volunteers live in NL and I have never heard so many people say
that they did not know this building was a museum! It makes me think
Margaret is right & perhaps we should not charge NL residents
admission. We also have to settle the name issue so we can get some
clear signage our front (Andrew's suggestion).
The only pad thing today is that the HHC's large coffee pot kept
tripping out circuits (& they are not labeled).
Cadets in Saturday to do some painting...
All best, --Susan
--
Susan Tamulevich, executive director
New London Maritime Society
Custom House Maritime Museum
RR#2
THIS IS WHAT'S AT STAKE...
AS THE SWAMP FIGHTS BACK.
AMERICANS ARE DREAMERS TOO"
Meanwhile,
the tragic-comic masks worn by the Democrats would be comical if it
were not for the denigration of the millions of voters whom they
purport to represent. Shame on You.
Lord's Prayer, by a 15-year-old
school kid who got an A+ for this entry (TOTALLY AWESOME)!
The Lord's Prayer is not allowed in most U.S. Public schools any more.
A kid in Minnesota wrote the following NEW School Prayer:
Now I sit me down in school
Where praying is against the rule
For this great nation under God
Finds mention of Him very odd
If scripture now the class recites,
It violates the Bill of Rights.
And anytime my head I bow
Becomes a Federal matter now.
Our hair can be purple, orange or green,
That's no offense; it's a freedom scene.
The law is specific, the law is precise.
Prayers spoken aloud are a serious vice.
For praying in a public hall
Might offend someone with no faith at all.
In silence alone we must meditate,
God's name is prohibited by the State.
We're allowed to cuss and dress like freaks,
And pierce our noses, tongues and cheeks.
They've outlawed guns, but FIRST the Bible.
To quote the Good Book makes me liable.
We can elect a pregnant Senior Queen,
And the 'unwed daddy,' our Senior King.
It's 'inappropriate' to teach right from wrong.
We're taught that such 'judgments' do not belong
We can get our condoms and birth controls,
Study witchcraft, vampires and totem poles.
But the Ten Commandments are not allowed,
No word of God must reach this crowd.
It's scary here I must confess,
When chaos reigns the school's a mess.
So, Lord, this silent plea I make:
Should I be shot; My soul please take!
Amen
If you aren't ashamed to do this, Please pass this on.
Jesus said, "If you are ashamed of me,
I will be ashamed of you before my Father"!
AWESOME
RR#3
ABORTION: THE INTENTIONAL DESTRUCTION OF A HUMAN LIFE,
AT ANY TIME FROM CONCEPTION TO BIRTH.
Compare and contrast these three statements:
1) the letter to The Day by John Goodrich, Feb. 1, 2018 (web address
below)
2) the article in www.ctmirror.org by Ana
Radelat, Jan. 29, 2018, entitled "Blumenthal, Murphy Help Sink Abortion
Bill";
3) the recent Letter from the Bishop of Norwich to the Faithful and to
the Public.
This
is not a "Catholic" issue. It is not a "religious" issue. It is
certainly not a "women's health issue". It is an existential human
issue, regarding which every human being is personally responsible.
Personally responsible.
